Robert f



' (No Model.

RFF. SLA'UGHTERKv N. S. RILEY.

Shet Metal Folding Machine.

No. 240,047. Patented-April lg, 1881.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT F. SLAUGHTER AND NINIAN S. RILEY, OF POPLAR GROVE, KY.

SHIEET-METAL-FOLDING MACHINE.-

SPEO IFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 240,047, dated April 12, 1881.

Application filed January 13, 1881. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that we, ROBERT F. SLAUGH- TER and NINIAN S. RILEY, citizens of the United States, residing at Poplar Grove, Owen county, Kentucky, have invented new and useful Improvements in Sheet-Metal-Foldin g Ma chines, of which the following is a specification.

Our invention relates to improvements in sheet-metal-bendin g machines, designed to im prove their construction and usefulness; and it consists in the organization hereinafter more fully described, whereby this. result is accomplished. v

The invention is embodied in mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which the letters of reference correspond with those in the specification.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a vertical crosssection of our improved sheet-metal-bending machine; Fig. 2, a rear elevation of the machine; Fig. 3, a plan view of the same; Fig. 4, an enlarged cross-section of the clampingplate and turning-table.

The machine exhibited in the drawings is adapted more especially to such work as turning the end or side crimps in sheet-metalroofing blanks, and comprises a rectangular frame or table, A, supported on corner legs, B, with clamping devices for holding the metal, and a pivoted table for turning the metal over a straightedge.

The clamping device consists, in the main, of a narrow plate or straight-edge, O, extending from side to side, at the rear of and above the table A, upheld and actuated by two pitmen or standards, D D;at. its ends, extending downward and pivoted to a rectangular foottreadle, E, which, in turn, is pivoted upon a bar extending between and secured to the two rear legs, B. Spiral springs F (one or more) support the treadle, having their upper ends attached to a cross-rod, 0, extending between the two ends of the frame, and through it and the pitmen D uphold the straight-edge or clamping-bar O normally above the table A, until, by pressure of the foot of the operator upon the treadle against the retractile force of the springs, the bar 0 is forced downward upon the table A. The springs S may be arranged between the clamping-plate O and table A to operate by compression.

The pitmen D are vertically slotted toward their upper ends, forming yokes, which embrace the rear upper cross-bar, A of the frame, which supports the table proper, and. extends from end to end between the rear legs. By means of these slots or yokes the pitmen D are guided in their vertical movements.

In front of and in the horizontal plane of the table A is an extension leaf or tablet, A, pivoted laterally in suitable journal-supports, G, secured to the frame and centered in the extended meeting line of the fixed and pivoted table-surfaces, or very slightly-above the same, so as that the tablet A, when rotated upon its journal-pivots, will throw the metal over and upon the straight-edge 0 when drawn down upon the table. The inner portion of the leaf A may be made of iron and the pivots formed in one piece therewith, as shown.

Beneath the table A are secured brackets H, spaced a convenient distance apart, with their horizontal arms extending toward the front and slotted to receive short fingers h, adj ustably secured by set-screws thereto. 'The fingers may thus be adjustably secured at; any distance from the edge of the table A, and project upward through suitable openings in the pivoted leaf A a convenient distance to form stops for the sheet of metal inserted under the clamping-bar 0 from the rear. These fingers are brought into sight of the operator when the leaf is down, so that he may see his work is straight, but are left behind when the leaf is raised. and in no way interfere with its movement.- a

On the projecting ends of the journals of the pivoted leaf A are arranged suitable weighted arms, to counterbalance the weight of the leaf A in turning.

As thus constructed, the machine is adapted to receive a sheet of metal inserted beneath the clamping-plate G from the rear against the stops h, when, by pressure of the foot upon the treadle, the clampi'ngplate is depressed, holding the sheet firmly until, by turning over the leaf A, its edge is turned over the straightedge upon the clamping-plate as far as may be desired. The treadle being released, the clamping-plate flies up by the reaction of the springs, when the sheet-metal plate may be removed. It will be apparent that by removing the fingers h the sheet metal may be passed under the clam ping-plate from the front, and the in achine so used; but it is more conveniently used as described.

The springs F may be dispensed with by extending the treadlelever beyond its pivot and weighting the extended portion. Where the clamping-bar O is used, the pitman is attached to such extension of the treadle-lever, and the Weight of the bar and pitinan in such case renders springs unnecessary; but in any case the springs are a mere convenience, not absolutely necessary to the working of the machine.

Having described our invention we claim and desire to secure by Letters Paten t- In a machine for turning over or'folding the edges of sheet-metal plates, the combination, with the fixed table A and its supporting-bar A of the pitinen D D, slotted at their upper ends and embracing the ends of said supporting-bar, and connected at their lower ends to a treadle, the straight-edge 0, carried by said pitmen, and the counterbalanced leaf A, havin ,9; its front edge pivoted in front of said fixed table, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

' R. F. SLAUGHTER.

NINIAN S. RILEY. Witnesses:

L. M. HosEA, JAMES V. RILEY. 

